Find Lots

• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
• Sale Date:
  19 Jun 2016 ~ 3pm
• Lot #:
  36
• Lot Description:
  1955 TRIUMPH TR3
  Chassis No. TS 94390; Engine No. TS 13296E
• Notes:
  Triumph by name and triumphant by nature, the muscular TR3 is one of the more tenacious British cars and one that's held its sporting credentials proudly throughout its various incarnations. The TR3 was produced between 1955 and 1962 - an evolution of the company's earlier TR2 model by the Standard-Triumph Motor Company of Coventry. So versatile was the TR3 that its victories, including six 'Coupes des Alpes', awards are numerous. The TR3 has campaigned by their Standard-Triumph Works team headed up by Ken Richardson and made a distinct name for itself in competition such as the RAC, Monte Carlo, Circuit of Ireland, Alpine, Liege-Rome-Liege rallies. Driving legends Paddy Hopkirk and Willy Cave gave this little sports car big kudos. With its robust engine and rugged reliability, the TR3 was a popular competitor in continental hill climbs, such as the Ollon Villars and Eberbach Bergrennen and endurance races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Mille Miglia. The rugged TR3 obtained consummate success in motorsport and with approximately 74,800 TR3s sold across all variants, (including the models unofficially known as the TR3A and TR3B, introduced in 1957 and 1962) this model was Triumph's third best seller, behind the TR7 and TR6 models. Of the 13,377 TR3s produced, only 1,286 were sold in the UK. The TR3 was succeeded by the Michelotti-styled, Triumph TR4. Interestingly, the points of difference from the previous TR2s are only minor. The 2.0 litre engine's power was raised by 5 bhp to 95 bhp and later 100 bhp in mid-1956 through the use of a new cylinder head design. Improved braking came into effect in August 1956 with the introduction of Girling Disc brakes on the front axle. The most obvious styling change was to the radiator grille, with an 'egg box' design adopted. Presented at auction is a well preserved example in its original factory right hand drive configuration. This car was first delivered in the UK to the Standard Motor Company and used as a demonstrator vehicle, hence the desirable options such as the hardtop, removable plexiglass side-screens, overdrive, occasion rear seat, leather interior and aero-screens. It has twin SU carburettors, 4 speed manual transmission with overdrive, independent front suspension, front disc brakes and live rear axle. Before Mr. Bob Woodley brought the car into Australia in 1988 it was re-painted in the original factory colour of Salvador Blue. It is likely that around the same time the car was upgraded and fitted with a new engine, brake discs and differential. Most recently the car has benefited from an overhaul of the brake and clutch systems by Gerard Miller of Marque Restorations, winner of Restorer of the Year at Motorclassica, 2014. Triumph authority and author, Bill Piggott wrote about this vehicle in Triumph by Name, Triumph by Nature p. 157: 'TR3 SDU 57 was issued with this number plate in Coventry where it was thought to be the press demonstrator vehicle.' And so, it comes with extensive documentation including: an original TR2 & TR3 Instruction Book; an original TR2 Service Instruction Manual Incorporating Supplement for TR3 Model; an original extract from the Standard Register and the original registration book showing its full ownership history, the first being: 1955 Standard Motor Co. Ltd; 1957 G.H. Hodgson of Rhyl; 1957 A.H.K Lane of Wells, Somerset; (indistinct year) David Shorton of Southampton; 1961 Peter Child of Southampton; 1963 Mr. Bob Woodley of Dibden Perlieu then Devon then Bundaberg in 1988, Queensland and finally in 2002, Jim Bettison of Adelaide. Accompanying this vehicle is the original engine (No. 9847), original differential housing and a large collection of new, reconditioned and other mechanical and ancillary parts. Since 2002 this appealing and nimble TR3 has been garaged and seldom driven offering a desirable but affordable collectors' British sports car with a documented provenance.
• Estimate:
  A$38,000 - 45,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

  Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.